Brief Description

In this lesson, students will generate criteria for using the computer and being a good computer user.  From this, they will use a word processing program to create a chart of computer rules which can then be hung in the classroom.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

2T-R1.  Work cooperatively and collaboratively when using technology in the classroom.
2T-R2.  Practice responsible use of technological devices.

2SS-R1. Describe how a good citizen conducts oneself, with emphasis on:  why we have rules and the consequences of breaking them

Academic

• Students will develop criteria for using the computer and being a good computer user.

• Students will create a classroom chart of computer rules using MS Word or MS Publisher

• Basic computer skills
• Knowledge of terminology

Computer with projection device
MS Word with clip art or MS Publisher

Accommodations for Special Needs

This is mainly a group lesson, so students with special needs can be aided as needed.

Procedures

1. There are several issues students need to understand in a classroom when using a computer.  They need to know how to take turns, respect each other’s work, respect the computer and be responsible when using it.  In order to learn these ideas, the teacher will act out a few scenarios for the kids and ask them what they think.  For example, she will tell them she is going to pretend that she is working on the computer and she wants the students to raise their hands if they see something wrong.
2. The first scenario deals with food or drinks near the computer.  There could be to have a big glass of water next to the computer and you pretend to spill it on the computer.  As the teacher, your goal is to get the students to say that there should not be food or drink near the computer.  Then ask why that is a good rule.  What do they think could happen to the computer if food or water gets inside?
3. Continue with these types of scenarios, involving the students as much as possible.  The ideas that you want to get across may vary, but should include:  banging on the keyboard, moving the computer without teacher help, forcing disks or cds into trays or slots, touching electrical outlets, etc.  Most of these are safety issues.  As you go through each scenario, write down the rule that goes with that scenario on the board or chart paper.  Try to keep the rules simple and broad.  Three or four safety rules are enough for kindergarten age students.
4. Students need to learn that there are a limited number of computers and they must learn to take turns.  To demonstrate this point, have a student volunteer come up and pretend that they are working on the computer.  You can play the part of the student who won’t take turns and tries to get the student to leave.  Again, ask the students what is wrong with your behavior?  How should you act?  How can they solve this problem?  How can you take turns at the computer?  Write the solution on the board.
5. Another important issue for students to understand is to respect the work of others.  You can act out a scenario in which you delete the work of someone else.  Ask the students what they should do if someone’s work is left on the computer?  Should they ever delete anything without asking first?  Write the solution on the board.
6. Now you should have about 5 or six rules written on the board.  The next step is to use technology to make a chart of these rules.
7. Explain that you will divide the class in five or six groups.  Each group will be responsible for making a sign that will explain one of the rules the class developed.
8. Work through this process with the group first.  Use think-aloud strategies to show how you would create a rule sign.
9. Work on the idea on paper first.  For example, if you were going to create a sign for no food or dink by the computer you might draw a picture of a drink and put an X through it.
10. Use a projection device and either Publisher or Word to create your sign.  Look through the clip art to find a picture that would help explain your rule.  Show their students how to import this picture and then type in the words below.
11. Have each group work on this project during center time.  You will facilitate this process with the group.  Talk with them about what would make sense.  Help them to create the sign and print it out.
12. Display the signs by the computer center.  Go through each sign with class and what each sign means.

The students will be assessed individually and as a group through a checklist.
 

Participated in discussion
Gave suggestions on how to be a responsible computer user
Cooperated in small group
Created a group sign
Took turns working at computer
Helped other students in group

Teacher Name: Karen Gutierrez
Site: The University of Arizona
Date Submitted: March 24, 2002